Science, Tech, Math › Science Absorption Definition in the Chemistry Glossary Print Dorling Kindersley: Richard Leeney / Getty Images Science Chemistry Chemical Laws Basics Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on July 03, 2019 Definition: Absorption is the process by which atoms, molecules, or ions enter a bulk phase (liquid, gas, solid). Absorption differs from from adsorption, since the atoms/molecules/ions are taken up by the volume, not by surface. Read More What Adsorption Means in Chemistry By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Examples: absorption of carbon dioxide by sodium hydroxide Return to the Chemistry Glossary Index Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Absorption Definition in the Chemistry Glossary." ThoughtCo, Aug. 28, 2020, thoughtco.com/definition-of-absorption-chemistry-605818. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 28). Absorption Definition in the Chemistry Glossary. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-absorption-chemistry-605818 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Absorption Definition in the Chemistry Glossary." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-absorption-chemistry-605818 (accessed April 19, 2024). copy citation